ARC Review: Undercover Duke (Duke Dynasty #4) by Sabrina Jeffries
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Series: Duke Dynasty #4
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published May 25th 2021 by Zebra/Headline Eternal
Goodreads Synopsis
Sabrina Jeffries, one of the best-known names in historical romance, weaves an enchanting Regency romance with a mystery at its core, as half-siblings investigate the truth about their mother's succession of beloved husbands—and their own surprising identities as eligible young nobles. For fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Tessa Dare.
Along with his half-siblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother's three husbands. His investigations bring him into dangerous proximity with the captivating Vanessa Pryde, but the duke, still haunted by a tragically lost love, is resolved to resist the attraction. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright...
Vanessa's theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through the duke's business-like demeanour and guarded emotions, for it is Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. As the duke's jealousy becomes evident, the two find themselves propelled into a scheme involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love...
For more dazzlingly romantic and witty historical romance, don't miss Sabrina's other gorgeous series including The Sinful Suitors, The Hellions of Halstead Hall, The School for Heiresses and The Royal Brotherhood.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
As the final unmarried sibling, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, knows that he'll need to marry, and soon, if his finance have anything to say about it. With his other siblings, they are investigating the deaths of their mother's three husbands, and his own uncle, as they have evidence they weren't all accidents, and foul play was at hand. There's three names they are considering for the villainess, and that includes Lady Eustace Pryde, aunt of the eldest sibling, Grey, and mother to Vanessa. In order to get close to Lady Eustace, Sheridan decides to increase his friendship with Vanessa, and his own jealousy over her infatuation with the renowned playwright, Mr Juncker. Little does he know, but Vanessa actually has feelings for him, and has done since his return to England a year and a half ago, and she used Juncker as a name rather than admit the truth. Pretending to be in a courtship, for their own reasons, it's soon clear that the chemistry and attraction between the couple is real, and when they are caught in a compromising position, will their marriage be able to become a real union, or will the past continue to haunt them?
Ever since I read Who Would Marry a Duke last year, I've been waiting for the final addition to the series, and once I was approved for Undercover Duke, I decided to binge the entire series. This time around, with the full backstory of the siblings and their romances, as well as Lydia's three husbands and their deaths, I was ready for Sheridan to get his happy ending, and for the mystery to finally be solved. And, it was a whirlwind, and such an amazing conclusion. First of all, the mystery which has been the overarching plot line across the series was built up perfectly, and dealt with amazingly. I honestly thought, half way through this book, that I had guessed at the murderer, but I was wrong, and couldn't believe how expertly Sabrina had created the story line. Then, we also have the addition of the previous couple, as well as Sheridan and Vanessa, and seeing the entire family, be one big, happy family, was phenomenal - especially after knowing that the siblings have had difficult relationships in the past.
But what made this book, was the romance between Sheridan and Vanessa. Sheridan was born in Berlin, while his father was the British Ambassador to Prussia, and only came to England when his father inherited the dukedom a year and half ago. It was here he met Vanessa, and after dancing together at three balls, she was smitten. But, his father died, and Sheridan was now the Duke, and in mourning, so she couldn't admit her feelings. Her closeness with Grey, though, made him ask her about her feelings for someone, and she quickly claimed it was Juncker, a poet and playwright, and someone who seems to now aggravate Sheridan whenever he comes up in conversation. Now that Sheridan wants to question Lady Eustace about the deaths of his half-siblings father's, he thinks that his friendship with Vanessa would be perfect, though every time he's around her, he realises his attraction may be the end of him. I loved the fake courtship between them, and it was clear from an early point that it wasn't fake to either of them, not really. They were definitely made for each other, and built the other up when they were faltering. Out of all the couples, I think these two might be my favourite, and though I'm gutted the series is over, I can't wait for Sabrina's next series!
Dates Read:
Rating
4 Stars
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